Find a hobby: 5 inexpensive ways to learn something new

People who attend Cajun dance lessons at the Terrebonne Folklife Center have so much fun, the dancing carries on late into the night when the class is over. For three consecutive Fridays, locals gather to learn Cajun dancing. After class, the group of roughly 30 people move to party at the Jolly Inn (seen here) to listen to Cajun music, eat and, of course, dance.

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Kris JohnsonStaff Writer

Published: Friday, November 16, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 2:40 p.m.

With the gift-giving season fast approaching, locals may be looking for a way to save a few bucks.

This list of free and inexpensive activities can help. The focus of this week's Big Fun is to spotlight five ways to have a good time, learn something new or just get out of the house, all for a minimal cost.

LINE DANCING

Where: Thibodaux Civic Center, 310 N. Canal Blvd.

When: 4-5 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays.

Locals take to the dance floor for line dancing class, which, according to staff is perhaps the Thibodaux Recreation Department's most popular program. About 140 students attend the two classes to bust a move.

Instructor Thea Dillard mixes various styles throughout the five-month course so students can learn line dances to all types of music.

“It's the most popular of our adult classes,” Secretary April Danos said.

The group of students is split into beginner and advanced levels, though the two often overlap because everyone loves to attend as much as possible, Danos said.

The advanced class is from 4 to 5 p.m. with the beginners' class immediately following from 5 to 6 p.m.

The class, in its fifth year, costs $20 per student for five months. The current class will finish at the end of December, with the next season picking up in January through May.

Information: 446-7620

DUCK DECOY CARVING

Where: Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center, 317 Goode St., Houma

When: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center offers roughly a dozen classes focused on Cajun culture for all ages. One of the most unique is the duck decoy carving.

The class was initially taught one day a week but it became so popular, instructor Gene Hebert, who says he likes to be hands on with each student, added a day, and the group was split in half.

Hebert teaches about 20 locals how to carve intricate details of the animal into wood, incorporating the history of the activity in Cajun culture.

Registration is $5 and each class costs $3.

Information: 873-6545

CAJUN DANCING

Where: Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center, 317 Goode St., Houma

When: 6-8 p.m. Fridays

People who attend this class have so much fun, the dancing carries on late into the night when the class is over.

For three consecutive Fridays, locals gather to learn Cajun dancing. After class, the group of roughly 30 people move to party at the Jolly Inn to listen to Cajun music, eat and, of course, dance.

The lessons, taught by Dickie Jackson, cost $5 to register and $3 per class.

Information: 873-6545

WINE TASTING AT CANNATA'S

Where: Cannata's Family Market, 6307 W. Park Ave., Houma

When: 6-8 p.m. Fridays

Cannata's gives locals the chance to try five different wines for free. And organizers also throw in light refreshments. About 30 people gather in the store's wine department.

Each third Friday a month there's a little deviation from the schedule when guests are asked to meet in the store's café at a cost of $10 per person. These wine tastings, which usually have about 60 guests, include 15 wines and more food.

There's no registration required. All you have to do is show up.

Information: Lane Bates at 209-9762 or email wine@cannatas.com to be placed on the e-mail list.

CREATE YOUR FAMILY TREE

Where: Terrebonne Parish Main Library, 151 Library Drive, Houma

Terrebonne Parish Library System employees say the holidays are the perfect time to discover information that could help you complete your family history.

Reference department head Jennifer Hamilton said “family holiday gatherings are an invaluable opportunity to make progress.”

That's why Hamilton says she holds events to teach the “right questions to ask in search for your roots.”

The first event was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Main Library, but anyone can get help by going to the Main Library.

Aline LeCompte, a regular library patron, has been working on her genealogy for more than 30 years.

“Come by anytime. It's better to call first so we can set aside time to talk because it takes time to work on genealogy,” Reference Librarian Ross Mays said.

Researching family history is free, other than 10 cents a page to print and copy.

Information: 876-5861

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